Go with a name that's well known in the heavy-duty truck industry

When you look at industrial vehicle manufacturers, reputation should play a huge part in your choice of a company to work with. Choose one that has been in business for a while and has a track record of success. You should be able to tell a lot from the resale value of the vehicles that the company offers, so research each company before looking at its new-product lineup.

I recommend: Do business with the big boys. Mack Trucks and Freightliner Trucks are known all over the world for their heavy machinery, so you know that you're in good hands, no matter what model you choose.

Compare the specs of the various industrial vehicle manufacturers

Depending on the type of vehicle you're shopping for, you should look at the specs of each model to make sure that you're getting the best product. If you're evaluating semi trucks, for example, check the towing capacity, weight limits and in-cabin features. Fuel usage and braking systems are also important to consider when choosing a vehicle.

I recommend: Compare the products of each heavy duty truck manufacturer to the others on the market. Check out the product lineups of Scania and Kenworth to see what each has to offer. Pay special attention to the class, engine specs and weight limits of every model to get a true representation of each.

Read the fine print on the heavy industrial vehicle distributor warranty program

Another important factor is the warranty package that each manufacturer provides. Bumper-to-bumper coverage is the best, but you may find a little bit of everything when shopping around. Some warranties cover the vehicle for a certain number of miles or hours, while others may have a set period of time during which you can come back for repairs and maintenance. Choose carefully, because heavy-industrial vehicles can be costly to fix.

I recommend: Check out each heavy vehicle manufacturer's warranty program. Try Clark Trucks and Rimpull to get an idea of typical programs offered to buyers. Your supplier may have an additional warranty add-on program that you can pay for to keep your coverage going after the traditional warranty runs out.